Originating in Europe, Baccarat is also considered one
of the most popular European casino games. The name, baccarat
originates from the Italian word for zero – Baccara. The
connection with its name and the game is that all face
cards, as well as the ten, have a value of zero.
In the Middle Ages, when Baccarat first developed, it
was generally played with a deck of tarot cards. Even in
these early stages, Baccarat was considered a favorite
amongst card players.
The earliest known dates of players participating in
Baccarat is around 1490. Nonetheless, it did not take long
since then for the game to gain much momentum and popularity.
Indeed, by the 1500s the French nobility were known to
choose this game over many others. As time and the game
progressed, two versions of Baccarat evolved. The first
being the French version, Chemin de Fer, and the second,
the European Baccarat.
Modern American Baccarat in turn originated and developed
in England before traveling with the colonists to North
and South America. Today, the most common version played
was a variety of the game that developed in the Capri Casino
in Havana, Cuba.
Around the 1950s, Baccarat was introduced to the Gambling
capital of America – Nevada. Already enjoying a glamorous
reputation in European casinos, the American casinos attempted
to maintain its popularity and image. Obviously successful
in this regard, today, in most casinos where Baccarat is
played in the US, the area is generally roped-off area
with video monitoring and surveillance as well as armed
guards. This is due the exorbitant prices that are often
waged by players.
Even though Baccarat attracts much hoopla and attention
from players and onlookers, as well as some of gambling's
highest rollers, nonetheless it demands little skill and
is really a game of chance.
A Baccarat table has fourteen spots numbered from one
to fifteen, excluding thirteen to avoid problems with superstition.
Three dealers are placed at each individual table. The
Croupier or Caller is the label given to the dealer located
in the middle. His/ her role is to make the calls as each
hand is dealt. Additionally, the Croupier also is responsible
for directing the game and all the procedures that it involves.
The other two dealers, on the other hand, while they
are not responsible for the running of the game, their
position is to ensure all the payoffs are carried out,
and that this is done correctly.
